509 thoughts on “How to self clear shipment at CBSA and avoid UPS brokerage fee”

1. I recently ordered a product that was only available in the US to ship to Canada via UPS (that was the vendor’s only international shipping option to Canada).

   I followed the instructions on how to self-account on this site. I emailed UPS to ask them to send me the documents to self clear.

   But UPS wouldn’t budge, instead the vendor whom I bought from (who is located in the U.S.) emailed me back saying I had to pay the exorbitantly high amount of COD fees or that they would ship it back to sender and to make me pay all the shipping fees.

   UPS and the vendor is insisting that I am not allowed to self-clear via the CBSA office and this absolutely outrageous!

2. @ Joshua

   I am having the same issue with UPS, they seemed helpful and didn’t have any pushback about being unable to send me documents for self clearing.
   But it seems like they are dragging their feet in actually sending them. It has been a week and I am calling them every other day, and each time they are saying that “it’s being processed”.
   There have already been two delivery attempts, and if they drag this out any longer it’s going to end up being returned to sender, and I’m going to be PISSED!

   I’ve just sent an email to the emails other users have posted and will see what happens.

3. So I tried to get in touch with UPS customer service and when I asked about the documents (commercial invoice) to self-clear my package, she said she wasn’t sure about it and would refer me to the appropriate department (to which no one followed up with me 24hrs later).

   So I called the billing department (number posted here), and a gentlemen was nice enough to put in my request to email the documents; however, 24 hours later.. I still haven’t received an email. So then I called the billing department number again and now the lady I’m speaking to says they can’t put in my request until a delivery has been attempted and I’ve refused the package…. wth is going on.

   Pretty frustrating. How were others here able to go through this process smoothly?

4. Cleared my package at the Fort Erie CBSA on Queen St. (The nearest one to me). Paid $15 vs the $45 they were charging originally. Process was super simple – called UPS and they emailed forms. Printed them to get stamped by CBSA and then emailed UPS with the stamped forms. Easy peasy. Thanks for this!

5. Update to my previous message
   After a frustrating 3 month battle with UPS I got some success today.
   – shipper sent ups updated invoice removed value on warranty items. As well only included the paid deductible or fees.

   Issues I had was called in 3 times asking for a summary of charges. And they kept saying they would mail me a proper updated invoice. This took 3-4 weeks to receive a letter. And these letters did not have the proper summary.

   After finding this forum and the amazing posts I got the two email addresses. broker@ups.com
   canadabrokeragecs@ups.com
   With in 12 hours I had the info that calling in and 2.5 months could not provide.

   With this info I called the number that was on the ups letter. And argued with the person about the COD package left with no signature or payment. And I could complete self clearing. And received some pushback and I just stated my story of negligence on UPS side. And how unprofessional I was treated.
   30 minutes on hold I had my brokerage removed. And paid 20.00 in taxes

   Hold your ground guys , good luck
   Always send your packages usps

6. Well a new twist of the brokerage UPS scam. Because of covid UPS just left my COD package at the steps and ran.
   And I phoned to complain why a cod package was left they said covid.
   Been fighting with them 2 months, as the item was warranty. And I should be paying 0.00

   The numbers
   -customs gst 46.50
   -pst 66.10
   -brokerage gst 4.37
   -cod gst 0.25
   -total gov charges 116.22
   Entry prep fee 81.30
   Bond fee 6.00
   Cod fee 5.00
   Total brokerage fees 92.30
   Total gst 51..12

   Total 208.52

7. Thought I’d add my experience as of September 2020: UPS was surprisingly helpful. I called UPS and let them know I wanted to self-clear. They sent me a document that included detailed instructions of everything that I needed to do to self-clear. I went to the CBSA, paid, and emailed them scans of the documents I was provided by the CBSA office. I just sent those documents and so I haven’t received my package, but so far, things were relatively painless (other than the trek to the CBSA office which was way out of the city).

8. What is the reason that the shipments value must be less than $1600CAD?

9. Does anyone know if I still can do self-clearing or to dispute UPS brokerage fees after package was delivered. The thing is I did not see UPS driver, nor signed for the package even though it was mentioned on UPS web site that signature is required. It was in early June when I received an email from UPS saying there is a shipment coming that has import fees due. I have read all recommendations on this site and called UPS asking them to send me paperwork for self-clearing. To cut long story short, I called three or four times but still did not have the papers even by the end of June. Last time I called, the guy on the other end said that they were not able to provide me with papers for self-clearing because they had not yet received the paperwork. But according to their website at that moment the package was already at their warehouse. Then he said in order to get the papers, I needed to check their website regularly and to give them another call once I see that the package was out for delivery. A couple of days late I just found the package at my door. Well, I thought that probably they waved their fees. And few weeks later I receive their bill to pay those f…….g brokerage fees I tried to avoid. Looks like they tricked me. Pure racket in my opinion. Is there anything I can do about it, or is it too late?

10. Just going through this process now, my package is still in the US. I sent an email to broker@ups.com and asked for the documents needed for self-clearance. I thought I should probably call to confirm.

    Apparently now self-clearance mean “clears own” which means you will physically go to the port of entrance and bring the package across. What you want to ask for is “self accounting” which can only be done once the package is physically in Canada. Right now I’m watching the tracking and when it shows that it is in Canada, I will call then again and get the self-accounting documents, then go to the CBSA, then fax them the CBSA form, then call them again and have the package delivered to my home. Lets see how it works out.

    John Roy

11. Dealing with this garbage with UPS right now. They say that they’ve removed the brokerage fee, but their online invoice still says the full amount.

    Some people mentioned that the “Pay Now” link shows a slightly lower amount. Yea, it’s $5 lower because they are doing high-pressure sales tactics; “Pay now, and it will be $5 cheaper”. First clue that they know that their fees are astronomically stupid.

12. Just went through this process with UPS regarding a package I had been sent from the States (the item was a $200 purchase; they were trying to charge me a COD of $104 , including the $32 customs fee; so $72 to brokerage my article. Which is more than I paid to ship the item…).

    I tried to use the process detailed in the post but I didn’t have a lot of success. On two phone calls I asked for the “commercial invoice”. In one case the UPS service representative immediately tried to transfer me to the “COD department so you can pay your COD fee”. After refusing this option twice; she sent me an e-mail, with a blank invoice form (not super helpful). The second time I got another representative who informed me that she could not provide me with the invoice for confidentiality reasons, since I was not the shipper.

    At this point I shifted tacks and tried e-mailing, saying I wanted them to send me the forms needed to self clear; the e-mail page said that I would hear back within 24 hours. About 21 hours later I received an e-mail… saying that they had processed my request and someone would respond to it within 24 hours. Since my situation as time sensitive, I tried phoning customer service representatives but they said that there was no way to speed this process up, I would just have to wait 24 hours. In retrospect this time limit must certainly be another hoop for the customer to jump through, in the hope that you will capitulate and just pay the stupid fee. Why does it take 24 hours to e-mail me an invoice when you have my tracking number and information on the screen right now?!??!? My specific time requirements meant that I had to cancel a trip I had planned in order to be around for the UPS e-mail; otherwise my package was going to be sent back, since I refused to pay the COD.

    At the end of the 2nd 24 hours period; I still had received nothing. This time I phoned up and was informed that I would have to wait at least one more hour, and then someone would phone me with the self-clearing information. This time I finally did what I should have done from the start; I said that this wasn’t good enough (particularly since the CBSA office was going to close in 2 1/2 hours and not reopen for 3 days…) and that I needed to speak to her manager. The manager finally agreed to simply waive the fee (which she called an “accounting fee”); at that point I was able to drive to the UPS warehouse and pay the customs fee ($32). All told I think that was 1 e-mail, 8 phone calls, more than 1 hour spent on the phone over 3 days; I believe I was directly lied to twice by customer service representatives on the phone.

    Having gone through this, my recommendations would be:
    1) If at all possible, just avoid UPS and don’t subject yourself to their extortionate COD fee
    2) If you plan to self-clear your shipment; call them up and tell them that and request that they e-mail you the necessary documents. Asking for the “commercial invoice” was a waste of time for me; seemed like they new exactly why I was asking, and were perfectly willing to lie about its availability and send me blank forms in the hope of scoring that sweet, sweet COD cash
    3) Be firm about getting the documents, don’t agree to any 24 hour delay, don’t let yourself get talked out of self-clearing, and insist on speaking to a supervisor if the customer service person “can’t do anything about that”, or if they lie to you about something else. If I had been firm about this on the first day I could have avoided waiting around for two days for data which never came; and would never have had to cancel my trip.

13. I received my package from Bangladesh via UPS and they charge me $100 for brokerage C.O.D. can I avoid this through self clear shipment? Please advise me

14. Hello and thank you for the advice. There is a broken link to the directory of CBSA services. I recommend this link: https://trueler.com/2010/11/24/self-clear-shipment-cbsa-avoid-ups-brokerage-fee/

15. Canada Post told me I can self-clear. Self-Cleared the package, came to them with the B15 document and allowed me to leave with the package. They called 6 days later, accusing me of stealing the package, that the B15 a valid proofs that I paid my duties. And the 10 bucks of fees are “handling” fees for them clearing for me the pakage, not “brookage” fee, so I never the less need to pay them.

    So I have to go and pay the full customs fees at Canada Post , then get a refund for the first B15 at the custom office.

    USP, at least here, it’s sample, just tell them you are self-clearing, then I just need to go the UPS storage with the B15, they take a copy and I’m out with my package. I would recommend UPS now, it so easy to self-clear.

16. My comment may be helpful to those living in British Columbia (I am in Kamloops). The fax number I was given for my B15 was 604 279 2737, attention Renu.

    I was really hopeful this process would work for me when a US friend shipped me a $96US valued item to me via UPS, not knowing I would be charged crazy brokerage fees ($48CAD). It worked in the end, but not without intense frustration and disbelief at the gong show that is UPS. I believe my mistake was in not informing them that I would be self-clearing the package when it was first shipped and I had the tracking number. Also, when I called them for the commercial invoice, I did not advise them that I was self-clearing as I didn’t want to be “talked out of it” and from this site, I knew what steps I needed to take. But I think I should have said something. As this article suggests, it might be better to email than call, though I got through right away on the phone.

    So I called 1 800 742 5877 (option 3) and got the commercial invoice emailed to me within 15 minutes, and thought I was off to a good start. Due to the weather and the Kamloops CBSA being an hour from me, I wasn’t able to go in for three days, but when I did, the officer was able to help me quickly and I paid $15 in taxes only. She even said she would fax it for me, but I didn’t have the fax number, so while I was there, I called UPS to get it. At that time I had to indicate I was self clearing, obviously. Well the agent didn’t have the number for me, so said someone would call me back with it. They took two days to call me and left a voicemail with a fax number that I immediately sent my B15 to, but the number ended up being incorrect by one digit. By the way, if you don’t have a fax machine, you can use Gotfreefax.com to send one via their site, with confirmation and everything… that’s how I knew that it hadn’t successfully gone through, but only the next day. Around the same time I got the unsuccessful fax email, UPS left another voicemail asking if I had faxed my B15, and if not, could I send it to 604 279 2735 (this number was one digit different from the one given before). I immediately faxed my B15 to this new number and got a sent confirmation from Gotfreefax.com. I waited one hour for them to get a chance to read it, and called 1 800 742 5877 (option 3) again to confirm receipt.

    This is where it all started to go wrong. Props to you if you can follow the insanity below:
    The agent said although they had received my B15 form, it was now “too late” and the package had been marked as “abandoned”. I said how could it be abandoned if I am the receiver, here on the phone with you, telling you I want it delivered? AND the package was physically sitting in Kamloops with a sub-contracted company that delivers UPS packages to my rural area (I talked to this courier several times and instructed them to hold it while I was self-clearing). The answer I got was a runaround of course, and when I asked what I had to do now, she said the SHIPPER had to call them and tell them it wasn’t abandoned. ???! So my friend called them, and was told no, the UPS Store he sent it from had to call them, since they were technically the shipper. I called that UPS Store and asked them to call UPS Canada. They did, told them it wasn’t abandoned, the taxes were paid, and they should release it. I then called UPS Canada and said, please deliver my package. They said no, I had to pay the $48 C.O.D. because I didn’t tell them I was going to self-clear beforehand, so they had already brokered the package. But don’t worry, she said, you can go to CBSA and get a refund after! Frustrated to the point of tears, I caved and paid it. I knew there was no way CBSA was going to refund a *brokerage fee* from UPS, but decided I would pay it and then file a claim with my credit card company, and let them deal with UPS.

    After this, the package WAS released and delivered to me. But the next day, I get another voicemail from UPS, saying “I received a message that you are requesting a refund of charges for a shipment coming in that you cleared yourself, and I definitely apologize — there are no charges to refund at this point. We removed the tag off the package being delivered and there won’t be any payment to us. But we will require a copy of the B15 form.” So I faxed it to them a THIRD time. But so far the credit card charge has not been reversed, and I fear for my sanity if I have to call them and try to explain why I need a refund, so like I said, I think I’ll let the big wigs at Amex deal with them.

    What a nightmare! I have successfully avoided having something from the US be shipped to me via UPS since 2005, always specifying USPS, but this was a surprise shipment. I hope it’s another 14 years before I have to deal with UPS again!

17. Wow! I received a call this morning about having to pay UPS brokerage fees. The agent on the line could not even tell me the amount of the brokerage fee and insisted that if I didn’t pay I would have to go pick up the package at Fort Erie myself.

    I called back for more info and was told that I could self clear and pick up at a location near my home. The agent was not helpful at all – could not answer the simplest question. I run a small business and have been receiving packages for over 3 years now without having to pay this fee. Why now? they couldn’t answer that question either. From now on, I will tell my suppliers not to use UPS.

    A lot of them use USPS and there no issues – shipment usually takes about a week (+ a few days to clear at CBSA) – so not a big deal at all.

    I learned my lesson

18. For me, UPS made an attempt at shipment. I was pissed off that they want me to pay 40$ and the item is not something I bought. It is a warranty item that I had to send to California. They basically want +50% of the value of the item, and it is an item I didn’t even buy from the USA.
    The steps on this page worked. THANKS A LOT. UPS will email you the documents. Make sure you have a printer, fax, scan, emailing capabilities. You will have 2 days to do it once they(UPS) send the documents by email to you.
    If you are in Montreal, the location for the CBSA is
    2200 Avenue Reverchon Room 296
    Dorval, QC, H9P 2S7
    TEL = 514-633-7844
    FAX = 514-633-7729
    8:45 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday

    Don’t worry. They are very friendly. Go in and stand in line. There isn’t really a line. You just pay the duty or whatever tax and they give you a bluish paper as proof of pay. The UPS paper that says UPS Self Clearance Reference Page is the actual B15 page. You don’t have to fill anything. I emailed both of them to UPS.
    Also, in my case, I would have payed nothing to the CBSA but apparently I did not have enough proof that it was a warranty item. I should have printed all my other stuff. Anyway, I payed CBSA 10$.
    My email is vmelkon zip yahoo con and change that to an email address and ask me any questions you like. Tell your friends and colleagues! Avoid the UPS scam!

19. Bloody hell UPS! I received a notice from I could prepay fees for my package. The Brokerage fee was $97.35!

    The amount listed via the link from the UPS email was slightly less than the amount noted in the email. While on the phone with UPS I found this site after trying to calculate the fees based on CBSA formula. So I brought up the self clear option and UPS said I can inform the driver I’m going to self clear the package when they attempt to deliver it. UPS would hold it until I completed the self clear process and no additional charges for a second delivery. Cool.

    Then I thought, why not get the process started while it’s on the way? I sent an email to UPS (broker@ups.com) requesting the documents as advised here, but I also called and UPS to be sure the process was correct.

    On the phone they insisted I’d have to go to Fort Erie. I told them they were wrong based on this website and an earlier call to UPS. They also told me they didn’t know the final amount despite sending me an email asking me to pre-pay.

    At that point I asked to speak with a manager. He also tried to tell me to go to Fort Erie despite what the CBSA advises. He offered to waive the brokerage fee on this delivery only after I asked him to review my earlier call with UPS and mentioned to him I was recording the call (I wasn’t).

    I spent about 90 minutes of my time to save $110 but at least I know of the process to self clear if the brokerage fee is too high. Thank you for hosting this site!

20. Thank you for the helpful advice. I noticed that UPS was going to charge me over 65% the value of my purchase from the states: in taxes, duties, fees etc. This was before their $5.00 “Collect On Delivery Fee. ” – which would brought the additional costs up to over 85% of the value of the product. What a rip off!

21. Update on the Process:
    december 6, 2018

    1. Just send an email to broker@ups.com saying that you would do your own clearance and ask kindly your documents (invoice, manifest).
    2. They will send you the docs along with a “how to do the process”.
    3. Just go to CBSA office on 2720 Britannia Road, Mississauga. Pay all the duties. Super easy process, they are nice fellows.
    4. Scan the documents and send back to the person who replied your initial email. They will release it in 12hrs.

22. I followed these instructions and had no problems; UPS was more than happy to assist me in self-clearing. I ordered speakers worth $250 from the US. Only once it had shipped did UPS update my tracking info to tell me there would be $40 of tax and $70 brokerage fee. Here are my steps, it was quite simple. Also CBSA only ended up charging me $30 of taxes.

    Step 1: Email UPS general support, and say nothing more than “I would like to request the necessary documents to self-clear my shipment through my local CBSA office.” Likely quicker than calling, and you won’t get talked out of your rights. [2 minutes]

    Step 2: Within 24hrs you will receive a response with the commercial invoice and document to be stamped by CBSA, instructions attached. UPS should also call you giving you instructions on how to do this. [1 day]

    Step 3: Take this to your local CBSA office, pay your taxes/duties. Call them first to make sure you’re going to the correct office. [20 minutes for me]

    Step 4: Scan these documents and email them to the UPS employee who responded to your request, or whichever email is listed on the instructions they gave you. [5 minutes]

    Step 5: Your item should be out for delivery within 2 business days, or available for pick-up.

    It will take more time, there’s no question about that. My shipment ended up taking an extra week to arrive, but I was in no hurry so no need to fork over $80 for nothing. I’m fairly certain most of these horror stories are from people who called without knowing exactly what they were talking about.

23. Hi,

    I checked Tracking number, I found:

    Government Charges: 297.49
    Duty: 160.61
    HST or GST + PST: 136.88
    Excise: 0.00
    Other Government Charges: 0.00
    UPS Customs Brokerage Charges: 11.30
    Brokerage Fee: 10.00
    Brokerage GST/HST: 1.30
    Brokerage QST: 0.00
    Permit: 0.00
    Freight Charges: 0.00
    Total Due CAD: 308.79

    I called UPS and they told me that only the brokerage fees will be removed. And I still have to pay around 300CAD for my 600 units of textile pouches ordered via Alibaba for 850CAD.

    Is she telling the truth or I still can go to CBSA to clear it myself ???

    Because if I will save just 20CAD after a half day in the traffic and in offices,….

    PLEASE LET ME KNOW

    Thx

24. Wow, thanks a LOT. I called UPS and did exactly as you said above. Looks like I’m going to save half of the price of the product!!!!
    I was so upset last time I went through this, not knowing the charges would be so high… fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me!
    I live in GTA and the process above is working like a sharm!

25. I cannot figure out where the CBSA office is in Edmonton, AB. Does anyone have any idea or information with regards to its whereabouts?

26. In Toronto/GTA, can anyone tell me if I have to go to the CBSA office at Pearson Airport to clear the package, or if there are other offices in the GTA that will clear low value shipments?
    Thanks!

27. Just would like to huge thanks to Kate for info. I followed it and it worth it. Just some notes for Vancouver . Ordered door tags $138 incl shipping from US with UPS. Same idea they contacted me to clear . I refused and told I ll do it my self. After this I followed Kate instructions. They put my package on hold and they contacted me and send me manifest next day on my email. I printed and called CBSA they told me to go to 1611 Main st Vancouver to clear the package. And they told me that No you can not clear the package online or on the phone. ONLY PERSONAL VISIT. I came and pay for parking. All went ok, until officer look at the papers and said because it is in UPS warehouse at airport I have to go to airport to clear it. 5000 Miller rd. Richmond. Just for info it is quite far and I paid for parking . I contacted CBSA and they told me that office at Main st . can clear it and they refer everyone to them. They try to contact them but all lines where busy. So they suggested that I filed complaint and claim my parking ticket and go to Miller rd to clear it. I went back to the office and said about situation at the reception and said I would like to have reimbursement for parking. So they took my ticket and in a couple minutes came officer and took my papers and clear it for me. He was nice and explained that I am not the only one who is coming to that office and should go to Airport instead. And told that they ll contact main CBSA to tell about it. So before you go clarify with CBSA which office to go. Anyway it is worth it. I paid just a taxes, because is no duty for door tags. So all together parking and taxes $24.50 which is not bad. Unfortunately, some stress about it , but it worth it. Hopefully , it helps for someone in Vancouver area.

28. Hi, I have a different situation with Fedex. I received the bill after a couple months after I received the package. Is this even legit since I have no contract with Fedex? How can I know I need to clearance the package myself without knowing there are taxes being charged?

    Thank you

29. I asked UPS to send me the commercial invoice so I could clear an unsolicited parcel myself. They tried very hard to discourage me, first telling me (incorrectly) I would have to drive to the border to do so (I live in Toronto where there is a CSBA office.). After I made half a dozen phone calls – and each time they promised to email me the invoice “within 2 hours” – I discussed the problem with a CBSA officer who attempted to intervene on my behalf. After she made several phone calls to UPS, and after I began to taper record my conversations with them, they changed their story. The said they were not permitted to send me the invoice while the parcel was out in the field, and that they would recall it back to their warehouse, and then send me the invoice. A few days later – we are now about a month past my initial request- they finally sent me the invoice. The parcel contained a book valued at under $25, and they wanted $17! I took the docs into the toronto CBSA office, and the officer cleared it, no taxes due at all. I emailed the stamped docs back to UPS as they had instructed. End of story? Don’t I wish! But no. Now UPS says that they will not release the pkg to me unless I pay their fee anyway! Why? Because the parcel “has passed its timeline due for Cod cancellation.”
    Any ideas, anyone?

30. I will be starting my process today as today was the delivery date and I got the unexpected brokerage fees. A little confusing but I hope it works.
    Crazy thing is, this item was mine to begin with. Seller wanted a refund and returned shipment via UPS.
    $500USD value and $168.40 in fees.
    Not sure where my local CBSA is either.
    I can’t afford these fees. But it seems a little difficult.

31. My breakage fee was removed( $0 GST/ $0 HST), but went to UPS twice for picking up my package. Thanks for the instruction and hope this one will help more ppl. :)

32. Hi Guys,

    Thanks for all the info. I have new born baby gift from Mon(US). UPS charging 130 CAD for baby gift??? I got the “invoice” from UPS, and brought to local CBSA (5425 Dixie Rd). Officer told me he can’t give me the B15, because there is no duty and Hst on this. Then I called UPS number with #3 again, UPS customer service said I have to wait for Windsor CBSA call me. And CBSA will provide me form and instruction and some website link to do. I’m still waiting from Windsor CBSA, also I sent invoice paper(a case number provided by local CBSA officer and a blue stamp) back to “imagingfredericton@ups.com”.

    Let’s see what’s next happen to me :(

33. Just wanted to share my ‘success story’ as well. First of all thank you for putting up this excellent write-up, I’m sure it helped countless people over the years, myself included!

    I bought over 700$ worth of canvas fabric which already cost me an arm and a leg to ship. CODs were over 300$ because UPS wrongfully marked the canvas as non-NAFTA, charging me the 18% ‘duties’ plus the bullshit 70$-ish broker fees.

    Went through the steps and called UPS, requested the self-clearance documents. Either I got a good rep or they’ve gotten better because I got my docs super fast with no fuss at all. Went to my local CBSA office to a slightly confused but incredibly helpful clerk (you could tell they rarely did this, small town).

    Bottom line, I paid about 100$ of expected taxes and saved over 200$ for about 2h of my time. I’d say it was well worth it.

    Thanks again!

34. I ordered some things from the US – total value before shipping was 335 CAD. The seller shipped it out immediately, via UPS. There was no choice.

    UPS contacted me via email update (that I had signed up for) on Monday and claimed that I owed them 190 CAD COD (or 57%). That seemed a little high compared to the estimated values I got from: https://www.crossbordershopping.ca/calculators/canadian-duty-calculator
    I decided that I would self clear, or let my package lapse (ie sent back to seller). 190? Insane.

    Monday
    I emailed UPS via their website with:
    – my tracking number
    – request for documents for self clearing

    Tuesday
    – original delivery date… was put on hold due to my self clearing request
    – I recieved requested document (shipping manifest)
    – I called CBSA, who instructed me to go to my local (London Ontario) CBSA office – which is at the airport.
    – I went to the airport office, and told them I wanted to “self clear”
    – they entered stuff into the computer, charged me $44.63, and provided me with a proof of duties paid form (they take debit, credit etc. too!!)
    – I DID have to pay $2 for parking at the airport… :(
    – I called UPS to see how to get the form to them (as I don’t have a fax machine)
    – I emailed my proof of duties paid to imagingfredricton@ups.com

    Wednesday
    – I emailed via UPS.com that “I had submitted proof of duties paid to imagingfredricton@ups.com, and I expect delivery ASAP”

    Thursday
    – My package was delivered without COD

    Reasonably painless!!
    The call to CBSA took under 5 minutes.
    The drive the airport took me 20 minutes each way.
    The self clearing at the CBSA in the airport took 10 minutes.
    The call to UPS to get the email address to send proof of duties took 15 minutes.

    Just over an hour of my life.. with the most amount of time spent driving or on hold. Not bad, considering I saved myself $143. If UPS had only charged me something reasonable, I may not have done all this. But UPS’s COD charges are insane. Never pay them.

    I’m certainly never going to pay them again.

    Notes to make it easier:
    – request self clear via email IMMEDIATELY after getting a tracking number. This will give you time to get everything squared away before delivery date.
    – have the fax number to send in proof to UPS on you when you go to the CBSA office. They might be nice and fax it off for your right there and then.
    – email via UPS.com as soon as you have completed the payment, and tell them you expect delivery to be on _____.

    Inland offices for CBSA:

35. Do you have to pay the CBSA office in cash or do they accept credit cards as well?

36. This is my experience with FedEx today in Calgary, Alberta, hope you find it helpful.

    I ordered $339.81 (US) worth of clothing from Brooks Brothers online. FedEx attempted to delivery to my house in Calgary, I wasn’t home, they left a door tag stating they wanted me to pay $128 Cdn in duties and taxes. I was like “WTF?!?!? That’s almost 50% of what I paid for the clothes!!!” So I came across this website and looked into self-clearing through CBSA. I called CBSA’s toll-free number, 1-800-461-9999, they told me I would need to bring the bill of sale and the unique shipment ID number to their Calgary office: unit 162, bldg 175, Aero Way NE. Is the unique shipment ID the same as the tracking number?? Who knows?? So I called Fedex’s toll free line, 1-800-463-3339 to ask for the unique shipment ID number, they said I would have to go to the Fedex office in Calgary to get this information. I also asked them whether I could self-clear through CBSA, they told me no I can’t since they have already cleared it for me, but I could go to the Fedex office in Calgary and they would give me the paperwork to fill out if I still wanted to try.

    So off I went to the Fedex office in Calgary, 24 Aero Drive NE. I told them my story and they pulled my commercial invoice and receipt and explained the charges. Of the $128.34 Cdn, only $10.50 was FedEx’s fee!! They call it an advancement fee. Duties were $90.65 and the GST was $27.19, for a total of $117.84. Remember that my order was $339.81 (US), or about $443 Cdn. Duties on textiles are 20% (I’m told), and GST is 5%, so $118 seems like a reasonable estimate for the duties and taxes. They told me that by driving over to CBSA, I could pay the duties and tax myself, and save the $10. Hardly seemed worth it for the time it would take. Also, the people at the FedEx office were really nice and patiently explained it all to me.

    Unless I’m missing something here, it doesn’t seem to me that Fedex is “scamming” anyone, and they didn’t seem to charge a brokerage fee at all. Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill. Would’ve been better to arrange a second drop-off time with Fedex and just pay the $128. But at least now I know.

37. I’ve dealt with DHL, UPS, and Fedex and Fedex is the worse one. All of them tells the total BS about how you can’t self clear, but they will provide the package’s manifest either by faxing or emailing to you. Fedex, however, refuses to do so siting privacy blah, blah, blah… The thing is, regardless if the manifest is sent, the person claiming for the package must go to the CBSA office and show ID to the CBSA agent. If nothing matches up, you won’t be able to do anything about the release of the package and also the package won’t be released from the courier’s warehouse. So, for any of these courier service to scam people into paying the extra customs and duty when the original shipping is already paid for, it’s ridiculous! It’s like you paid for delivery charges up front and then you have to pay for more delivery on delivery – WTF! I don’t mind paying for the GST and whatever duty is necessary based on Canadian law, but to have to pay a ransom charge that’s almost 50% of the cost of the merchandise?!?

    Why isn’t there laws in Canada to protect consumers in regards to how couriers are ripping us off?

38. I as well do not have a CABS office in the city where I live and wonder if this process can be done over the phone? Thanks so much for all this info!

39. Is it possible to self clear via CBSA by telephone, sending in documents, etc, in cases where you live a long way away from a CBSA inland office or do you absolutely need to do this in person?

40. Hi Lucas,

    Thanks for your question. It doesn’t matter.

    Thanks,
    Trueler

41. Since I have a UPS My Choice account I can change the delivery option before the first delivery attempt. I can request that it be held for pick-up at the warehouse or at a UPS Store.

    Does anybody know if the package has to be held for pick-up at the local UPS warehouse or can it be held at a local UPS store when self-clearing?

42. Thanks a lot Tony for detailed feedback!
    Trueler

43. Hi Ben,
    UPS guy misinformed you if you have not implicitly agreed to clear it by UPS on your behalf. You still can clear it yourself. Please follow instructions.
    Thanks,
    Trueler

44. Hey i just refused the package at the door and told them i would self clear the package. Then the UPS guy said because its already cleared I would have to pay the brokerage? I sent the package back to their warehouse for now. Please HELP

45. Hello,

    This is my recent experience with FedEx, hope it helps.

    My package from Sweden was shipped with FedEx International Economy and after 2 days in transit, I received a voicemail from FedEx notifying me of a duties/taxes charge of $20.66. My package valued at $72, so clearly brokerage fees were levied, which was surprising as I thought brokerage fees are inclusive when you ship with FedEx International Economy or the other faster methods.

    I called the 1-800-GoFedEx number to inquire how much of the $20.66 is duties/taxes and how much is brokerage. The representative, although courteous, was useless to say the least. I was transferred to a representative in Canada for further assistance after expressing my desire for self clearance.

    Steve, the Canadian rep., told me of the $20.66, $9.36 are taxes and $11.30 are brokerage fees. After telling Steve I’d like to self clear the package, he proceeded to marking my package as self clearance and explained the next steps. As he didn’t have the commercial invoice, which was not ready at the time since the package was still in transit, he said someone from their customs clearance department (or something like that) would be in contact with me once the package arrives in Canada and if I don’t hear anything within 2 days, just call them back.

    The following day, FedEx left another voicemail notifying me that they received my request for self clearance and that I should contact 1-844-248-1049 (M-F, 0800-1630) for more information and instructions. I called on Monday, chose Option 1 for something like customs/taxes/duties/ inquiries, Heather, the representative, said when the package arrives into Canada, they will have the commercial invoice ready for me to bring to CBSA office to pay the taxes, then bring the B15 form (taxes/duties payment receipt) to the warehouse where the package would be held to pick it up. She took down my email address to send the invoice to.

    Almost immediately after I ended the call with Heather, Dana, a representative from the same department called me to give me the same information and instructions. I guess they must have had Dana assigned to my package. Luckily she called because my email address failed to save into the system, perhaps it hadn’t gone through yet since Dana called right after I ended my previous call. Anyway, she said she will send me the commercial invoice the following morning when it touches down onto Canadian soil.

    As promised, Dana sent me the commercial invoice along with direction to the CBSA office at YYZ. I went into the office with the invoice and ID, paid the $9.36 in taxes and got my B15 form. The customs officer was actually confused at first since he was expecting a different invoice, but he came to realize that my package was already cleared by FedEx and all I needed was to pay the taxes and the B15 form. Then I drove to FedEx Don Mills warehouse (tracking showed my package was held at here and must be picked up within 5 business days), showed them my ID, gave them the form, they made a copy, and released the package to me. If I am not mistaken, the B15 allows FedEx/UPS/whatever couriers to get the taxes/duties they paid on our unbeknownst behalf back from CBSA. So if UPS ever tells you you can’t self clear the package once it’s in Canada because they’ve already cleared the package and paid taxes/duties on the it for you, it’s horsesh*t.

    Unlike UPS, FedEx seems to accommodate clients better. When I went through this with UPS, they kept giving me a run-around regardless of how nice and patient I was. However, FedEx was quick to respond to my request and provided me with everything that I need along with instructions. My tip to everyone is just to be patient and courteous to whoever answers your calls, maybe not UPS as you may need to be firm.

    Just remember to read ALL of Trueler’s helpful post and that you have a legal right to self clearance of shipments. You do NOT need to go to Windsor to self clear your package with UPS. Read the comments, there are many who’ve posted their experience when they went through this process with UPS, myself included. Good luck!

46. Hi B,

    You should be able to self-clear the package yourself in GTA. It’s incorrect information from UPS that you must go to the port of entry in order to do so. They are telling it to everyone…

    Thanks,
    Trueler

47. Hi Trueler,

    I have a package delivering from US that has been confiscated at the Windsor, ON port. I discovered it was confiscated because the shipper did not write the correct value of the package. I realize this is because I specifically asked about shipping and custom costs when I first inquired about purchasing the products (wooden furniture), and he assured me there would be no custom and duty charges so that I would be sold on the products.

    Anyway, I have been told by UPS to go back to the shipper and ask him to send the correct invoice to imagingfredricton@ups.com. I have done that and am waiting for this new invoice to be processed.

    In the meantime, I was told that to self-clear this package, I must go directly to the Windsor, ON port in person to do so. Otherwise, I have no choice but to let UPS clear the package on my behalf. Is this correct?

    I am in the GTA so I prefer not having to drive all the way to Windsor to clear my items. I am wondering if I allow for UPS to clear the items for me, am I committed to the brokerage fee? Am I still able to refuse the package at the door and self-clear the products?

    Thank you

48. Would like to inform you all of an email address that you can send your B-15 form to instead of faxing it in.

    UPS Canada Brokerage: imagingfredericton@ups.com

    I got a confirmation email that mine had been received and that, “This is an incoming e-mail service only; no response will be generated”

49. We recently purchased an item from the U.S. We didn’t get a choice of courier to deliver the product and we are not aware of the brokerage fees. The shipper used UPS. The slip from UPS indicated COD charge $90.00. We called UPS and tried to negotiate a lower fee as over half of the $90 was their brokerage fee. They indicated that’s a set price and they would not budge. The item cost $150 usd. We read this website and followed the instructions and paid only $25 to have the item self-cleared. Thank you for your instructions above, they are perfect and worked! Just an FYI – there is no CBSA office in Kitchener, we had to go to the office at the Breslau airport. They were very friendly and helpful and it was worth the drive and we still saved money. If UPS monitors these posts, you should know, we would have paid a reasonable price to have you take care of the paperwork but you were not willing to negotiate and half the price of the shipped item is ridiculous.

50. I received a package via DHL which is currently being held at a local DHL facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I live.

    I called DHL and told them I wanted to self-clear the package, but they said you cant do that once delivery attempts have been made.

    They said if I want to self clear I would have to go to Hamilton, Ontario.

    I dont know if they are being truthful